Actually the International Harvesters guns are more desirable then the other 3 manufacturers. The Winny comes next. The HRA were made fewer than the SAs, so I would guess that they are more desirable vs. the S.A.

HOWEVER, if you were looking for a Garand that saw some action in WWII, some people will take a low serial number S.A. over a HRA. I believe the majority of the HRAs were made after the war. Also, the S.A. near the 5.9 Million serial number are also one of the least problematic and higly desirable as well.

It really boils down to what interests you and what features are most important to you.

wally

March 3, 2009, 10:06 PM

I believe it is the M1C. Few real ones floating around. M1D carry a nice price premium, last one I saw for sale was about $3K. The only M1C I've ever seen for sale were auction, way out of my price range 15 years ago.

With both you need to lookout for forgeries, especially the M1Ds as parts to "make" one are pretty common. Having the DCM paperwork helps with authenticity.

--wally.

az_imuth

March 3, 2009, 11:19 PM

I agree with bmwguy, that the IHCs are the most sought after of your typical M1s due to their scarcity. The Winchester rifles are next and then the WW2 era Springfields. The postwar SA and HRA are pretty much a toss-up it seems. Of course, asked individually, most folks will have varying interests/opinions. I just wanted one of each as shooters...no safe queens.:D
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/all4sn2.jpg

cortez kid

March 3, 2009, 11:32 PM

Nice picture. I don't know which is more embarrising, the drool on my keyboard or the stiffness in my... well, you know:rolleyes::D
kid

helz_mcfugly

March 3, 2009, 11:49 PM

thats a awesome pic man. I didnt even know Win made a Garand

lionking

March 3, 2009, 11:58 PM

helz,Winchester and SA were the 2 manufactures during WW2.Post war were SA,IHC and HRA.A few times a guy at a gunshow has told me the HRA he had for sale was "all original WW2 made".;)

Are those original stocks on those four beauties?

GRIZ22

March 4, 2009, 01:13 AM

HOWEVER, if you were looking for a Garand that saw some action in WWII, some people will take a low serial number S.A. over a HRA.

It would have to be a SA as HRAs were made in the 50s and few of them probably saw combat. You also need to consider a Garand that saw action in WWII can't be expected to be in pristine condition. Even after a rebuild you are likely to find some pitting on the receiver legs. Soldiers and marines were concerned with keeping their rifle running not looking good.

Beretta also made Garands in the 50s. I believe these were made on the machinery that WW used in WWII. They are all top notch and may be rarer here than than the IHC or WW but I'm not sure of this. I have seen fewer of them though.

ps The Beretta Garand evolved into the BM59 which was 7.62 NATO and took a 20 rd magazine. Italy's answer to the M14.

Wesson Smith

March 4, 2009, 02:03 AM

Mine's low serial, SA, circa August of 1942. It's valuable to me because
everytime I shoulder it and shoot, I get that instant of wonder, thinking
that there was an infintesimal chance that my Dad might have slung
it while fighting the Jerrys in the Ardennes. Sends a little shiver up me spine.

az_imuth

March 4, 2009, 07:00 AM

lionking,

The HRA is the only one that is in it's original configuration. The Winchester (below) has a Winchester stock and receiver and the rest is mostly SA.

Hmm, those are some pretty rifles for sure. There is a Winchester Garand for sale locally here for $850. I would like to have it but that is a lot of dough for a fighting rifle that only has an 8 round capacity. Plus I dont have anything else in 30-06. What does it cost to get these things converted to 308?

krs

March 4, 2009, 01:46 PM

I'd say that the gas trap Garands are easily the most sought after of all.

Almond27

March 4, 2009, 05:35 PM

850 for a Winchester Garand is a pretty sweet deal Most S.A. Garands around here are 800.